Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag can be a daunting and confusing task. People often make the mistake of packing too much, or not packing enough. Lucky for you, I’ve done it the wrong way and the right way. With my first kid I must have thought I was planning for a 3 day weekend getaway, because I packed everything I could think of. Of course, only a few items were actually used. This time around I packed only what I considered to be necessities. I used every item in my bag, and didn’t need anything else that the hospital couldn’t provide. The hospital will provide you with most of what you need, so don’t over do it. Ready. Set. Go!
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG
1)Baby’s take home outfit
-Find the cutest little outfit you can find to bring your love bug home. This is really more for pictures realistically, because first day home you are too exhausted for visitors anyway. Remember to choose something weather appropriate.
2)Baby blanket
-This is helpful to tuck the baby in the car seat, or throw over it…especially when it’s colder out.
3)Clothes for you
-Don’t get carried away. Your body is achy and you’re wearing the thickest pad known to mankind. Avoid anything tight. Loose sweats and a T-shirt, leggings or a maxi dress…one that you’re not afraid to dirty (yikes)…will do. I did leggings and a t-shirt.
4) Jersey knit robe
-Walk down the maternity ward in something other than those ill-fitting hospital gowns. Plus, I always feel relaxed when I’m in a robe.
4)Full coverage underwear
-Some people find the hospital mesh undies uncomfortable and ill-fitting. Bring your own but know that they WILL get dirty. Choose boy shorts, “grandma panties” or buy a pack of cotton undies from Walmart or Target. Make sure they are DARK colors because there’s a lot of bleeding involved.
5)Toiletries
-Bring your own face wash, deodorant, lotion, contact solution and case or glasses (if needed), toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, hair ties or clips, blowdryer (if you use one). Get travel size ones to limit space so you can put them in a ziplock bag. (Note: picture below taken before I knew anything about good quality pics for blogging lol)
6)Phone charger- This. Is. Essential. That is all.
7)Nursing bra-provides support but makes everything easier.
8)Flip Flop sandals
-I used these in the shower. Just the thought of another woman bleeding onto that floor grossed me out. (sorry, that was a little TMI)
9)Pineapple juice
–Pineapple juice reportedly helps with increasing breast milk production. I’m not sure how true that is, but with both pregnancies I haven’t experienced low milk supply. As a matter of fact, my milk supply comes in pretty quickly. I give credit to great genes and maybe pineapple juice.
10)Snacks & water bottles
-You will be hungry. Whoever is staying with you will be hungry. Most hospital food is not very good. Try snack bars, nuts, yogurt, fruits etc. I even added water bottles because I’m picky about my water.
11)Music playlist
-Create one on Youtube, Pandora, iTunes…whatever you use. Choose music that relaxes you and makes you feel good. This is helpful when you’re trying to take your mind off those contractions.
12)Important paperwork
-Bring the birth certificate form your OB office gives you already filled out. This saved me so much time doing it in advance. You can add insurance card and driver’s license if applicable.
For Dad
Clothes comfortable to sleep in, phone charger, snacks, slippers, warm socks, warm sweater, deodorant and toothbrush (he can use your toothpaste).
That’s it! The hospital will provide everything else. Feel free to add anything else you know you’ll need that I didn’t include. The goal is NOT to overpack but pack just what you need.
Good Luck,
